Celebrating a Brilliant Term 3 at Damascus College

As Term 3 draws to a close, it is with immense pride and gratitude that we reflect on the incredible efforts, achievements and spirit that have defined this term at Damascus College. Our community has once again demonstrated the strength of our values — excellence, community, compassion and justice — through unwavering commitment, creativity and collaboration.

A standout feature of Term 3 has been the exceptional dedication shown by both staff and students. The learning environment has been rich and engaging, with innovative classroom experiences, dynamic co-curricular activities and a renewed focus on wellbeing and personal growth. Our teachers continue to go above and beyond, and our students have responded with enthusiasm, perseverance, and pride in their learning.

This term we celebrated Damascus Day — a highlight of the school calendar — with a beautiful and moving liturgy that brought our community together in prayer and reflection. The afternoon came alive with energy and colour, as students took part in a wide variety of engaging and spirited activities, demonstrating the joy and vibrancy of life at Damascus. A copy of my speech can be found below:

Principals speech Damascus Day 2025 17 September 2025

We were also delighted to welcome families to our Father’s Day Breakfast, a heart-warming event that honoured the father figures in our lives and celebrated the importance of family. It was a pleasure to see our community come together to share food, stories and laughter.

The McAuley House Assembly last week was another highlight, showcasing the leadership, creativity and deep sense of purpose among our McAuley students. Their commitment to social justice and community engagement was truly inspiring and a credit to the Mercy values they uphold.

Looking ahead, we are excited to invite our community to the St Brendan’s Expo on Thursday evening commencing at St Brendan’s at 5.30pm This will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase student learning and the culmination of their efforts throughout the term. We look forward to celebrating their creativity, critical thinking and collaboration.

To our Year 12 students, we extend our best wishes as you enter a critical phase of your academic journey. With trial exams approaching and final VCAA exams on the horizon, we know that your preparation, resilience, and support for one another will be key. Remember that you are not alone — your teachers, families, and peers are walking alongside you every step of the way.

Throughout this year, the iGEN Program with Mercy Health has continued to grow in strength, offering powerful opportunities for intergenerational connection and learning. Our students reflected, "Being part of iGEN made me realise how much we can learn from older generations — not just about the past, but about kindness and resilience." Another participant noted, "It’s not just about giving time, it's about building friendships that go beyond age." These words remind us that education is far more than what happens in the classroom — it’s about the relationships and experiences that shape who we become.

I would like to take this opportunity to formally acknowledge and extend our deepest gratitude to Sarah Boswell, whose unwavering energy, passion, and visionary leadership have been a cornerstone of community engagement and marketing at Damascus College for the past decade. Throughout her tenure, Sarah has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect people, foster meaningful relationships, and elevate the profile of our college within the broader community. Her creative approach, strategic insight, and tireless commitment have not only shaped the way we communicate and engage, but have also left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit Damascus College for years to come. As Sarah concludes her service at Damascus College this week, we reflect with appreciation on all that she has achieved and the spirit she has brought to our community. While we will miss her presence and leadership, we are excited for her as she embarks on the next chapter of her journey. On behalf of the entire Damascus College community, we thank Sarah for her outstanding service and wish her every success, happiness, and fulfillment in the future.

As we now take a well-earned break, we encourage all members of our community to rest, recharge, and reflect on the many successes of the term. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the life and mission of Damascus College.

We look forward to an exciting and rewarding Term 4 together.

With every blessing

Steven Mifsud